As America's first full-size luxury SUV, the 8-passenger Lincoln Navigator's immediate success subsequently paved the way for additional challengers such as the Cadillac Escalade, Infiniti QX56, Lexus LX 570 and Mercedes-Benz GL. Big and capable, the Navigator can now add "high-tech" to its list of superlatives thanks to the addition of Lincoln's new smartphone integration software, Sync Applink. Although skyrocketing gasoline prices have forced a market shift towards smaller, more-efficient crossovers, those still craving a traditional SUV will appreciate the 2012 Lincoln Navigator's luxurious amenities, extraordinary cargo capacity and intimidating stature.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you are looking for a luxurious family hauler with the lowest starting price in its class along with an excessively spacious cabin capable of accommodating eight passengers and their gear, the 2012 Lincoln Navigator is worth your consideration.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Unless your next luxury SUV must possess an eighth seat, you may find the 7-passenger Infiniti JX, Acura MDX and Buick Enclave more appealing with their superior agility, fuel efficiency and pricing.

Driving Impressions
This 2012 Lincoln Navigator boasts a stiff structure and fully independent front and rear suspensions. Monotube shocks all around improve the ride and enable more precise tuning, while a variable-boost...

power steering pump reduces low-speed effort and improves higher-speed feel and feedback. The Navigator is rock-solid yet surprisingly agile and comfortable on the road, even on rough surfaces. Performance is more than adequate, with a robust 5.4-liter V8 engine and appropriately large brakes to haul it down with authority. The extra-long L version feels heavier (because it is), yet drives smaller than it looks. Both are uncannily quiet inside due to an acoustic windshield, thick side glass and superb sound insulation throughout.

Favorite Features

LINCOLN SYNC APPLINKSync Applink is a new feature designed to control popular mobile applications on your smartphone through voice commands. Simply download the compatible apps and connect your smartphone to the vehicle via Bluetooth to manage applications like Pandora, Stitcher or NPR News.

POWER-DEPLOYABLE RUNNING BOARDSTo facilitate ingress and egress of this lofty SUV, the 2012 Lincoln Navigator offers standard power running boards that automatically extend when any door is ajar and retract once all doors are closed.

2012 Lincoln Navigator Details

Interior

Depending on the configuration, the Lincoln Navigator can seat up to eight passengers as well as enough cargo space to host a family picnic. Opting for the second-row captain's chairs drops the Navigator's seating capacity to seven but gains a convenient center console nestled between the two seats. The Navigator's expansive interior begins to make sense if you are planning to consistently fill all three rows of seats. To help combat some of the frustration associated with today's intricate infotainment systems, the Lincoln Navigator employs Sync voice-recognition software with over 10,000 commands for simpler operation over a variety of multimedia functions.

Exterior

Big and bold, the 2012 Lincoln Navigator makes its presence felt on the road. The Navigator's flashy exterior is characterized by a massive chrome front grille placed between large xenon headlamps and scores of chrome accents. The Navigator rides on standard 18-inch bright-machined alloy wheels, with fender-filling 20-inch chrome wheels available as an option. Though the power liftgate and power-folding third-row seats help, the Navigator's tall load-in height can make packing cargo difficult. The elevated step-in height is mitigated by power-assisted running boards that extend and retract automatically.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2012 Navigator's standard feature list is generous. Among the major items are automatic xenon headlamps that are nearly three times brighter than conventional halogen bulbs, 10-way power adjustable front seats with heating and cooling, heated second row seats, a power-foldable 60/40-split third-row seat, rear backup camera, keyless entry keypad for the driver's door, and power-adjustable pedals. Multimedia is supplied via voice-activated navigation with SiriusXM Satellite Radio and Travel Link, HD Radio, and a 14-speaker THX II-certified audio system. Standard safety features include a full complement of airbags, trailer sway control, Lincoln's MyKey system, and a host of supervisory features for inexperienced drivers.

Optional Equipment

Options for the Navigator include a power moonroof, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and the Monochrome Limited Edition Package, which adds monochromatic accents, olive ash interior wood trim and premium leather seats with black inserts and piping. Additional standalone options include a Class IV trailer towing package, remote starting system and 20-inch chrome alloy wheels.

Under the Hood

The 2012 Navigator is powered by a SOHC 5.4-liter V8 that delivers a smooth 310 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul mode. The available 4-wheel drive (4WD) system uses a 2-speed transfer case with optional electronic shift-on-the-fly capability. In low range it shifts the engine's electronic throttle control to a special off-road calibration for more precise torque management in the worst conditions, such as climbing hills under slippery conditions.

"I don't do a lot of in-town driving. This vehicle REALLY shines on road trips. Whether with my (tall) family or with my buddies, the car is the ultimate road trip machine. Comfort and luxury is practically unmatched. Gas mileage is on the low side, but I can get 19 mpg with the cruise control set at 70-75 mph; not bad for a vehicle of this size. And speaking of size, if a distracted driver (of which there are far too many on the roads today) plows into me, chances are THEY are being taken away in the ambulance, not me or any member of my family. Love this vehicle, would buy another one in a heartbeat."

"I have enjoyed driving this luxury vehicle and have ALWAYS felt safe! During this last winter in Illinois, there were several times where the 4WD came in handy and the automatic switch from 2 to 4WD is awesome!
We are looking to downsize and are looking at purchasing another Lincoln because of the quality of this vehicle."

TOTALLY UNDERRATED

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating

10/10

Value

10/10

Reliability

10/10

Quality

10/10

Performance

10/10

Styling

10/10

Comfort

10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Lincoln is WAY ahead of its time... WAY AHEAD... and yet, it seems to be underrated and even hated on. I really love this truck... its everything I could want and I got it for a great price at Doral Lincoln in Miami Florida and I would recommend them for anyone who was in a situation like I was in and wanted something luxurious, affordable, and SAFE! I could care less about these small, light, foreign vehicles that I would pay TWICE as much for, but put it up against the tanks on the road in a collision and well, you get the picture!! This truck is worth every penny and then some! Safe, reliable, Luxurious, and drives like silk!!"

"This is a great car. We used it for tailgating to football games and it has been perfect. We will but another one just like it. Might go with the longer version as we have a few more years of tailgating ahead of us!"

"I got my 2010 Lincoln Navigator in May 2011 and it has been an excellent, reliable, and an awesome car to drive. We live in a VERY snowy region of the United States and and we've had no trouble getting through large amounts of snow. We've traveled thousands upon thousands of miles in this car and hope to continue to do so. We love all the features that this car has offer, The automatic running boards (That go up and down when you open and close the doors) The Microsoft sync, Bluetooth and many, many more. We recommend this car for anybody... WE LOVE OUR NAVIGATOR AND HOPE YOU DO TOO!"